The Morrisville Borough Council begins the new year with new leadership at the helm. 

At the Monday reorganization meeting, fourth ward councilman, Ted Parker was sworn in as he was reelected in November,  later being voted in unanimously to be council president. 

First time Councilman Bob Paul (third ward) was elected to be vice president in a 4 to 3 vote over Mike Yager (fourth ward). 

Justin Bowers and newly elected Councilman Scott Roinson were nominated for President Pro Tem with Robinson winning the vote 4 to 3

Borough Manager Scott Mitchell was retained in a unanimous vote to continue as the borough manager and Right- To -Know officer. 

Prior to the meeting, there had been open discussions of whether or not the “new majority” would retain Mitchell in the position. The borough manager said earlier this month it was the councils “prerogative” if he were to continue fulfilling his managerial duties for the borough. 

A motion to “extend” Mitchell’s “employment agreement”, made by Councilman Bowers, to 12/31/2010 failed in a 4 to 3 vote. 

Council President Parker, said in announcing his tie breaking vote on the motion, “I’m going to vote no. I would rather go over the contract again” 

 

Mitchell recently confirmed  he had been contacted with multiple offers from other municipalities seeking his services for the same or similar positions, though he declined to share which localities sought his services. 

Micha Heitz, Flager & Associates, Gilmore & Associates, Keystone Municipal Service,were all reappointed with the bond for borough officials also approved,unanimously. 

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In new business, council approved the rehiring of officer Gary Zumpano in a 4 to 3 vote. 

Paul made the motion, which earned an immediate response from  first ward Councilwoman Eilen Dreisbach asking “where is the money going to come from?” 

Parker said “guessing at this time we’ll figure it out later, which led Driesbach to ask “where are you going to take the money from?. Right now we’re paying an officer that’s not working.” 

Calls made to Parker and Ravella for comment were not returned.  

Paul, who initiated the move said Sunday, the motion made Monday night would be further discussed at the council agenda meeting Tuesday night, January 14. 

My campaign for council was firstly about ensuring our streets are safe, he said, and that’s why making the motion to rehire Zumpano was made. Depending on the availability of part timers, who work for other police departments, is not always the answer, he said, bringing back officer Zumpano will bring us to nine full timers and we’re  supposed to be at a minimum of 10, Paul said Sunday afternoon. 

There are a number of budget related issues we can address, Paul said in response to where would the money come from to pay for a full time officer. 

“We’ll begin to deal with those issues in the coming future” the newly elected council vice president said. 

McClay said, he was  “..very happy to have an experienced officer back on the street, with Zumpano expected to “be back this week.” 

Lastly, Council accepted the resignation of Corryn Kronnagel, after six years of service, as she moves on in her newly elected position of District Judge. Council initiated the process of filling Kronnagel’s vacancy by soliciting applications from residents of the first ward interested in serving.

Residents interested in filling the vacancy are asked to please send a letter of interest and resume to borough hall for consideration. 

Council is scheduled to meet for an agenda meeting on Tuesday January, 14 at 7.pm